[E92_335]

so my car is a buy and I just read that I should change my oil after break-in period... I am currently at about 3600ish miles (~5 months) so I need to change it ASAP.

i have heard BMW won't cover it unless you car says you need an oil change, which is bs... anyways, which oil do you guys recommend I purchase and should I do it on my own (how is the difficulty level?) or should I take it to a shop?

Thanks a lot,
PJ

[335iheLLraiseR]

Originally Posted by E92_335

so my car is a buy and I just read that I should change my oil after break-in period... I am currently at about 3600ish miles (~5 months) so I need to change it ASAP.

i have heard BMW won't cover it unless you car says you need an oil change, which is bs... anyways, which oil do you guys recommend I purchase and should I do it on my own (how is the difficulty level?) or should I take it to a shop?

Thanks a lot,
PJ

first search, then ask. but i'll tell you, most people use what BMW uses same oil same thickness. there are some brave souls around that change oils depending on what area they live in (cold,warm weather,etc).

as for the oil change itself, its not hard at all, just look at the DIY.

[M3to335]

So BMW really wont change it unless it says it needs it? Ive had my car since March (9mo) and am at 3200 miles. I figure it probably needs one by now?

[e.n335]

You should change the oil after 1.200 - 1.400 miles, that is the break-in period. Others change the oil twice, one time during and the second time after break-in. IMO this oil change is one of the most important things you should do with your new car. I changed at 1.200 and 6.500 miles, now every 6.500 miles. You will have to pay the changes by yourself, BMW recommends the first oil change at around 15K miles which is a commercial decision and not very wise to do so. This has been discussed a couple of times already on the forum. Change the filter, the washer and the O-rings as well, you get this at your dealership. The factory oil is quite good and not expensive.

- Eugen

[E92_335]

What is the factory oil? What do you guys recommend is a better oil performance wise? I live in California and it can get quite hot in the summer/spring and probably like 40-50 minimum during the winter or at nights...

[335iheLLraiseR]

Originally Posted by E92_335

What is the factory oil? What do you guys recommend is a better oil performance wise? I live in California and it can get quite hot in the summer/spring and probably like 40-50 minimum during the winter or at nights...

stick with what bmw says 5w-30.

[scottp999]

If you have ramps it literally takes 30 minutes to do the job yourself. I use Mobile 1 0w-40 European Car Formula which is BMW LL01 rated. It's really hard to get any LL04 rated in the US.

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by e.n335

You should change the oil after 1.200 - 1.400 miles, that is the break-in period. Others change the oil twice, one time during and the second time after break-in. IMO this oil change is one of the most important things you should do with your new car.

I guess it all depends on the engine. I haven't seen a single N54 oil analysis that suggested that 1200-1400 mi break-in oil change was needed.

[swestland]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

I guess it all depends on the engine. I haven't seen a single N54 oil analysis that suggested that 1200-1400 mi break-in oil change was needed.

Oil Cheep! Engine Expensive!
Mobil 1 0-40, and the kitten keeps on purring!

[5soko]

if your modded you should change your oil more often, esp. if ur gonna keep your car.

$65 will buy u the oil from bmw and the oil filter. easy job, than dont reset the oil interval so in about 8k more miles they change it for free.

[6Zylinder]

I like to clarify the break in period.
A motor needs to be broken in when the motor comes from the factory with "break in" oil. This is a low quality oil that speeds up the break in process (wear), because it has very little additives (piston rings and cylinder walls especially). That is also the reason for keeping the rpm low. This was still the case for the M3 E46. The N54 comes allready with synthetic from the factory, so isn't it obvious that there is no break in period (maybe they do it at the factory, don't know just guessing)? This is only possible due to the minimal tolerances and todays superb manufacturing processes. I noticed on my car oil consumption of ~1 quart at 8000 miles, which is a very good indication that the mechanical integrity is excellent.
Maybe someone could find out from BMW.

Just my 2c's

[Former_Boosted_IS]

Originally Posted by 6Zylinder

I like to clarify the break in period.
A motor needs to be broken in when the motor comes from the factory with "break in" oil. This is a low quality oil that speeds up the break in process (wear), because it has very little additives (piston rings and cylinder walls especially). That is also the reason for keeping the rpm low. This was still the case for the M3 E46. The N54 comes allready with synthetic from the factory, so isn't it obvious that there is no break in period (maybe they do it at the factory, don't know just guessing)? This is only possible due to the minimal tolerances and todays superb manufacturing processes. I noticed on my car oil consumption of ~1 quart at 8000 miles, which is a very good indication that the mechanical integrity is excellent.
Maybe someone could find out from BMW.

Just my 2c's

Just an FYI, check page 124 of the manual:

"Break-in Period:

Moving parts need breaking-in time to adjust to each other. Please follow the instructions below in order to achieve the optimal service life and economy of operation for your vehicle.

Engine and differential- 1200 miles without going over 4500 rpm or 100 mph. Also avoid full-throttle.

Clutch - 300 miles"

So there clearly is a break-in period on this car.

[6Zylinder]

Since the engine comes with synthetic oil from the factory, it is clear that the engine has no more break in period as it used to be with break in oil. The break in oil is needed primarily to mate the piston/rings with the cylinder (this could not be done with synthetics). This looks like it has been done at the factory. Thats why there is no break in oil service and thats why its filled with synthetic from the factory.
I agree, you have to keep it cool the first couple of miles, stated in the manual. Everything is brand new.
With my above statement I was referring to the motor only.

[zenmaster]

Folks, due to modern machining, the N54 doesn't need a break in oil change like older engines. This has been discussed before.

[6Zylinder]

+1